An apartheid-era segregation sign which was similar to those seen in the Deep South of the United States until the 1960s

What was South African apartheid?

Apartheid is the Afrikaans word for “apartness” and that's exactly what this form of government set out to do.

When it was established in 1948, the black population had already experienced oppression under 19th century Dutch and British colonial governments.

But apartheid was arguably far worse because it made racial segregation lawful in 1953 - at a stroke silencing opposition from black people or white citizens appalled at what was being done in their name.

This racist regime also barred mixed marriages while the majority of people could not access good housing, jobs or political representation.

Most of all, it ensured the Afrikaans-speaking white minority ruled the roost, allowing them to live a standard of living which was far higher than those with similar jobs in Europe.

Meanwhile, black South Africans were trapped in townships with no hope of improving themselves.

Why did racial segregation happen?

During World War Two, the South African economy was transformed by demand for war products from the allies.

Black workers were sucked into the cities to work in the booming factories.

But this meant that the white urban citizens were suddenly outnumbered by the black population and this made many nervous.

In 1948 the government, the Herenigde Nasionale Party (Reunited National Party, known as the HNP), was elected after stating that only a total segregation of the races “would prevent the subversion of white society by blacks”.

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When did the flag change?

The orange, white and blue flag was brought in in 1928 and came to represent white-minority rule during the apartheid era.

With Apartheid consigned to history and a democratic South Africa emerging in its place, it was decided to replace it.

In 1994 the current one was introduced which was designed to represent the entire "Rainbow Nation”.

South Africa's anti-apartheid icon Winnie Mandela laid to rest

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